Not many people remember that Italy was a monarchy until 1946. Elena of Montenegro was the wife of Victor Emmanuel III, the last king of Italy before the country became a republic. Now, her figure is regaining relevance during a conference that studies her life.
The Committee for the Beatification of Queen Elena is promoting the cause for the Church to recognize her life as saintly. Its goal is to highlight her faith in order to advance her beatification.
Elena was known for her closeness to the poor, for founding hospitals and aid centers, and her support of the wounded and displaced.
ILARIO BORTOLAN, National President of AIRH
She used to walk around alone and once approached a house where an elderly woman was sitting on a worn-out bench, clearly in distress. Elena sat with the woman and spoke to her, although the woman had no idea she was the queen. Later, after the visit, Queen Elena sent her a comfortable armchair, two blankets, and also some money. She helped her get back on her feet. This is just one small example of her kindness.
The beatification process for Queen Elena of Italy began in 2001, initiated by the then-archbishop of the French diocese where the queen died in 1952. At that time, she was declared a Servant of God, the first official title on the path to sainthood.
LUCIANO REGOLO, Author of “La Regina Elena. Una cita all'insegna dell'amore”
When the Church canonizes or beatifies someone, it does so because their life serves as an example, a testimony. Elena shows us that it doesn’t matter what our role in life is because saints can be farmers, students… We just wrote a book about Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old boy. But in her case, she used her entire life, her role, as a service and a means of love toward others. There is no true love for the Lord without love for our neighbor.
For Elena of Montenegro to be beatified, a confirmed miracle attributed to her intercession is still required. However, the process currently being carried out by the committee, following her declaration as a Servant of God, has already placed her on the path towards sainthood.
BAM
Trans. CRT
